How vehicle connectivity can reduce accidents in your fleet

Technology is always advancing and the same rings true for the fleet industry. There is already a wealth of solutions that have been designed to enhance driver safety and monitor fleets, but vehicle connectivity (in terms of internet and wireless access) is just as important.

That’s why this month we wanted to take a look at some of the ways that vehicle connectivity could reduce accidents, cut operational costs and enhance driver safety in fleets across the country.

Enhanced driver safety

Driver safety has always been the highest priority for any vehicle leasing company or organisations that utilise a grey fleet. Vehicle connectivity plays a huge part in ensuring the continued safety of drivers on the road. This is through a combination of data collection, and collision avoidance recommendations.

Nearly all new cars come fitted with at least one form of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). However, these ADAS solutions rely on laser or radars, whereas connected vehicles will be able to collect data from vehicles that aren’t in the immediate vicinity.

Telematics and data

Whether it’s location tracking or engine component monitoring, telematics and data are becoming an integral part of fleet management strategy. This data is collected in one central location and can be analysed by the vehicle leasing company.

They are able to see whether individual drivers are regularly exceeding the speed limit, have unsafe driving practices (such as coasting or sudden braking) and much more. This data can then be used to either retrain drivers or implement specific guidelines around company car use.

However, connected vehicles would be able to exchange data with other vehicles, including sharing data on location, speed or direction. This ability to communicate with other vehicles will result in immediate action being taken, should it be needed.

Predictive servicing, maintenance and repairs

One of the most challenging aspects of managing a fleet is scheduling in numerous services, MOTs and repairs throughout the year. If a vehicle’s service is overdue, or a fault has appeared that the driver hasn’t noticed, they are putting themselves and other road users at risk.

Telematics and driving data are currently being used to predict repairs, essentially removing the risk of potentially unsafe vehicles. For example, in 2016 the AA started trialling AA Connect technology in 10,000 vehicles.

Six months into the trial, 17% of problems in vehicles were successfully identified before the fault led to a roadside breakdown. This may seem like a small percentage, but with further development, this technology could be rolled out across cars from all leading manufacturers.

The added bonus to fleet managers and organisations using this technology is that it cuts vehicle downtime, enhances driver safety and helps adhere to Duty of Care protocols too.

Greater fleet mobility

Vehicle connectivity will also help fleet managers transform and enhance the structure and operation of their fleet. For example, connected vehicles will be able to alert other cars if there is congestion on a road. It will then advise the driver on different ways to reach their destination, including public transport.

This refers to the “mobility concept”. Some European countries have launched mobility cards where employees are given a travel budget and have the freedom to use whatever mode of transport they need.

The mobility concept helps to cut the operational cost of an employee not being in the office, whilst also helping the organisation adhere to their Duty of Care standards by keeping their drivers away from potential accidents.

In summary, vehicle connectivity technology will play a huge part in reducing the number of accidents on the roads each year. It will also help to reduce the costs associated with operating a large fleet, whilst ensuring drivers remain safe on the roads.

As each new solution develops, it’s crucial that fleet managers and organisations utilise this technology for the benefit of their business, and also the benefit of their drivers.